Georgia

The Bottom Line

Mixed Tax Picture

Georgia’s tax brackets mean that many taxpayers will find themselves paying the top marginal rate, which kicks in at just $10,000 of taxable income for married couples filing jointly or $7,000 for individual filers. For tax year 2019, the top rate dropped 6% to 5.75%. It is slated to drop further, to 5.5% in 2020, if Georgia lawmakers and the governor pass a joint resolution reaffirming that rate during the 2020 legislative session.

The Peach State’s sales taxes lean high, and in some areas, groceries are taxed as well. Property taxes are modest.

Sales Tax

4% state levy. Localities can add as much as 5%, and the average combined rate is 7.33%, according to the Tax Foundation. While the state doesn’t tax grocery food sales, localities can.

Income Tax Range

Low: 1% (on the first $1,000 of taxable net income for married couples filing jointly; on the first $750 for individual filers; and on the first $500 for married couples filing separately)

High: 6% (on taxable income over $10,000 for married couples filing jointly; on taxable income over $7,000 for individual filers; and on taxable income over $5,000 for married couples filing separately).

Effective tax rate: 5.24% for single filers, 5.8% for joint filers.

For tax year 2019, the high rate is 5.75%. It will drop further in 2020, to 5.5%, if the governor and legislature reconfirm the reduction in that year’s legislative session.

Motor Fuel Taxes

Gasoline: $0.3515 per gallon.
Diesel: $0.3933 per gallon.

Property Taxes

In Georgia, residents pay an average of $1,000 in taxes per $100,000 of assessed home value.

Vehicle Taxes

Georgia levies a tax of 7% at registration. Electric vehicles are subject to a $200 annual licensing fee.

Sin Taxes

Cigarettes: $0.37 a packCigars: 23% of the wholesale priceOther tobacco products: 10% of the wholesale price